BUTUAN CITY – Health authorities reported an increase in the number of cases of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in Caraga region.
However, Joy Dyana V. Cervantes, regional HIV and AIDs coordinator of the regional office of the Department of Health (DoH 13), said the awareness program of the agency is “effective” as more persons come to health designated offices for HIV testing and treatment.
As of February 2018 alone, 12 cases were acquired through sexual contact, eight of which (66.7%) through homosexual contact, she said.
Two of the newly infected are aged 15 years old, she said.
In 2017 on the same month, only eight HIV cases were registered, according to Cervantes. (Mike U. Crismundo)